- Step 1: Understand the question. The question asks for the reason renewable energy sources are gaining traction, requiring a specific cause stated in the passage.
- Step 2: Locate relevant information. The passage states, "Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are gaining traction worldwide due to growing environmental concerns over fossil fuels." This directly identifies "environmental concerns" as the reason.
- Step 3: Evaluate the options.
- Option (1): "Low maintenance costs" is not mentioned; the passage discusses high initial costs, so this is incorrect.
- Option (2): "Environmental concerns" directly matches the passage's explicit reason, making it the correct choice.
- Option (3): "Government subsidies" is not referenced in the passage, so it is irrelevant.
- Option (4): "High efficiency" is not mentioned as a reason for gaining traction, so it is incorrect.
- Step 4: Verify specificity. The phrase "due to growing environmental concerns" in the passage aligns precisely with option (2), leaving no ambiguity.
- Step 5: Cross-check for alternatives. The passage does not suggest other reasons like subsidies or efficiency, confirming that environmental concerns is the only correct answer.
- Step 6: Final conclusion. Option (2) Environmental concerns is the correct answer, as it directly reflects the passage's stated reason for renewable energy's traction.
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